Self-isolation rules are set to change statewide in a few days' time, meaning those who are designated household contacts but don't test positive for COVID-19 themselves will be able to leave their residence so long as they comply with a new set of government guidelines.

The eased household contact restrictions will see countless Western Plains residents able to return to the workplace which has been welcomed by a variety of organisations and individuals.

Earlier today (Wednesday 20 April), NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced that from 6pm on Friday 22 April, close contacts (defined as a household contact or an individual deemed by NSW Health to be a close contact) will not have to isolate, as long as they have no symptoms and comply with specific guidelines.

These include not visiting locations such as aged care and hospitals, wearing a face mask indoors when outside the home, undertake daily RAT tests before coming into close contact with others, working from home where practical and notifying their employer or educational facility of their status as a close contact.

Mr Perrottet said the easing of restrictions on household contacts was the latest step in the state's measured approach to the next stage of the pandemic.

“These isolation rules have been necessary but thanks to our strong vaccination rates, we can make the changes announced today,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This will provide immediate relief for so many workforces and businesses who have been hit hard by labour shortages as people are forced to isolate because they are a household contact."

Close contacts will need to follow the new guidelines for seven days from the time a person in their household tests positive for COVID-19. Note, there have been no changes to the isolation requirements for positive cases.

Also from Friday evening, the current public health orders requiring key workforces to be vaccinated will be lifted. Vaccine requirements will then be based on risk assessments under occupational work health and safety rules.

However, close contacts will still need to comply with any COVID-19 safety measures that have been put in place in their workplace by employers.

Despite this, Business NSW Regional Manager for Western NSW Vicki Seccombe said the new freedoms announced by the government would make a huge difference for regional businesses.

ABOVE: Business NSW Regional Manager for Western NSW Vicki Seccombe congratulated the NSW Government on its decision to end the isolation requirements for COVID close contacts today. Image supplied.

“This has been a difficult time for many business owners who’ve had to close their doors or operate under reduced conditions because healthy staff have been at home in isolation," Ms Seccombe said.

“It also made no sense that some industries were exempt from these rules – the unfairness was creating a two-tiered structure and that was damaging to business confidence and future planning.

“Small businesses in particular, can plan future production with more confidence knowing that staff are more likely to be available for long periods of time with the relaxation of these rules."

Further changes will also come into place from Saturday 30 April, including removing the requirement for unvaccinated international returning travellers to undertake hotel quarantine and instead require them to take a Rapid Antigen Test within 24 hours of arrival and complying with other NSW Health guidelines.

Public transport capacity caps will also be lifted with the requirement to wear masks on public transport, planes, and indoors at airports and cruise terminals to remain in place.

Despite the new freedoms, state Health Minister Brad Hazzard said people should still take precautions to protect vulnerable members of the community.

“We are still in a pandemic and the basic rules of hand hygiene, wearing a mask when you cannot socially distance and staying at home if you have symptoms still apply,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Most importantly if you still have symptoms you should not visit an aged care facility, hospital or an elderly relative.”

The government is currently in the process of working with health officials to determine how these rules will impact school settings before Term 2 begins. Further details will be released in the coming days.